Kewtown sewer network gets multi-million rand makeover
25 September 2025
Kewtown in Athlone is set to benefit from a R33 million investment into two major sewer rehabilitation projects, aimed at improving service delivery and reducing sewer overflows in the community.
A reliable sewer network is essential to protect communities, rivers, and the coastline from pollution. When pipes fail, the risk of blockages and overflows rises sharply. That is why the City is investing in replacing ageing infrastructure and applying trenchless rehabilitation methods such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, which extends the life of the network with minimal disruption to residents. The projects in Kewtown form part of the City’s R16 billion investment into Water and Sanitation over the next three years - the largest of its kind in South Africa, thereby giving real substance to Cape Town’s vision of being a city of hope.
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate’s first project, which started on 1 August 2025, will rehabilitate 720 metres of smaller sewer pipes (150mm and 225mm) along Dr Abdurahman Avenue, Springbok Street, and Greinhout Street. This follows repeated pipe collapses during the winters of 2022 and 2023, which impacted drainage towards the Bokmakierie Sewer Pump Station, resulting in frequent blockages and sewer overflows. Work is scheduled to be completed by October 2025.
The second project, launched on 16 September 2025, focuses on the rehabilitation of 820 metres of the bulk sewer pipeline in Field Crescent and Hickory Street, which spans 600mm in diameter. This pipe has been repaired over the years through multiple point repairs however, due to its current deterioration, full replacement is a necessity. The project is well under way and set to be concluded by June 2026.
‘There has been a total of three rehabilitation projects in the area in recent months: one completed in December 2024 and two currently in progress. Once completed, a total of 1,55 km of sewer pipelines will be rehabilitated, significantly improving reliability in Kewtown,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Both projects will use a trenchless rehabilitation method known as cured-in-place piping (CIPP), which allows for minimal disruption to the community while extending the life of the pipes. The works also include extensive cleaning of debris from the sewer system.
Last week Councillor Badroodien joined Ward Councillor Rashied Adams (Ward 49) for an oversight visit to view the progress of the site.
‘For residents to be able to enjoy the benefits of an improved system and avoid sewer blockages, waste must be disposed of correctly and responsibly. Only human waste and toilet paper should go into the sewer network. Anything else damages the pipes and increases the risk of overflows,’ said Councillor Badroodien.
Caption 1: One of the sewer rehabilitation projects currently under way in Kewtown.
Caption 2: Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien getting to know more about the CIPP process from Lynton Vermaak.
Caption 3: The project team from the City and the Contractor, WBHO Construction (Pty) Ltd and Tuboseal for the two projects currently underway in Kewtown. From left: Chris Dempers (Tuboseal), Lynton Vermaak (WBHO), Nomcebo Ndlela (Project Manager), Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Lochan Moodley (Regional Operations Manager) and Rahima Noordien (Project Manager).
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
